Where did the planes that dropped atomic bombs on japan take off from?

The planes that dropped atomic bombs on Japan during World War II took off from two different air bases. The Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy" on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, took off from the North Field Airfield on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Islands. The Bockscar, which dropped the atomic bomb "Fat Man" on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, also took off from North Field Airfield on Tinian.

Tinian was chosen as the takeoff point for the atomic bomb missions due to its strategic location. The island was located about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from Japan, which was far enough away to avoid detection by Japanese radar and anti-aircraft defenses. Tinian also had a long runway that was capable of accommodating the heavy B-29 Superfortress bombers used in the atomic bomb missions.

The North Field Airfield on Tinian was specifically built and modified for the atomic bomb missions. It had a special runway that was constructed using 1.2 million gallons of asphalt and concrete, and it also had a concrete hangar that was built to store and assemble the atomic bombs. The airfield also had a team of specially trained personnel who were responsible for loading and arming the atomic bombs.

The decision to use Tinian as the takeoff point for the atomic bomb missions was made by the United States military after a careful assessment of the risks and benefits involved. The military determined that Tinian was the best location to ensure the success of the missions and to minimize the risk to the crews of the B-29 bombers.